Ambras Castle – the first museum in the world.

Ambras Castle ranks among the most important sights in Austria and is the only site within the KHM Museum Association that is located outside Vienna. As the first museum in the world, it has a formative influence on the cultural heritage of Europe. It is a vibrant museum venue for the population of Innsbruck and Tyrol, and a top tourist destination for international guests.

In her position as director, the art historian Veronika Sandbichler has been in charge of the collections and the site Ambras Castle since 2010.  

‘My team and I strive to provide access to our cultural treasures in the best possible way, and to relate them to relevant issues of society. Ambras Castle is more than history!’

Ambras Castle is part of the KHM Museum Association under Director General Sabine Haag and General Manager Paul Frey.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien and six further sites from Vienna to Innsbruck together form the KHM Museum Association. It is an independent enterprise that conserves, studies, presents, and educates on works of art and culture of the Republic of Austria. A total of 175 historians of art and culture work and conduct research in these museums, develop exceptional exhibitions, and make sure that the Austrian cultural heritage entrusted to them is preserved for future generations. The necessary financial means for this operation come in part from Austria’s taxpayers in the form of a compensation for this important contribution to Austria’s cultural heritage. Any proceeds beyond this compensation need to be generated by the KHM Museum Association; this amounted to 52 per cent of total proceeds in 2019. These proceeds are based on donations, sponsoring, shop sales, or venue rents. The largest share, however, are admission tickets.     

The proceeds generated by the KHM Museum Association ensure fantastic exhibitions, exciting research projects, and continuous maintenance work for a carefree visitor experience. Nevertheless, the KHM lost a major part of its proceeds due to the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences for the activities of the KHM museums in the months to come. In order to continue the operation of our museums in the same quality, variety, and excellence, we need your help.  

[PDF]  Annual Report 2023 (in German)  (7.5 MB)
KHM-Museumsverband

[PDF]  Annual Report 2022 (in German)  (15.5 MB)
KHM-Museumsverband

[PDF]  Annual Report 2020 I 2021 (in German)  (9.6 MB)
KHM-Museumsverband

[PDF]  Annual Report 2020 (in German)  (2.6 MB)
KHM-Museumsverband

[PDF]  Business Report 2019 (in German)  (4.6 MB)
KHM-Museumsverband

Find further downloads on the website of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. 

The museums in the KHM Museum Association – the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, the Weltmuseum Wien, and the Theatermuseum Wien – are among the most renowned museums in Europe. The growing influx of visitors from local and tourism markets, the high ratio of independently generated proceeds, and the satisfaction of all visitor groups are based on the tireless commitment and excellent performance of the employees at the KHM Museum Association.  

More information on the KHM Museum Association as an employer.

The Reproduction Department is in charge of all image orders as well as reproduction and recording permits. We offer digital and analogue photo material from all collections in the KHM Museum Association. All photo, television, video, and film recordings on museum premises need to be authorized, organized, and managed by us.     

All pictures and text as well as photographic and audio material are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, copied, altered or otherwise used in any way without the express permission of the KHM Museum Association.  

The image fee is based on the medium, type, amount, and duration of use, and must be determined in advance.

Reproduction request

We are looking forward to your suggestions and criticism to… 
feedback(at)schlossambras-innsbruck.at